Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Enabling Multiple Timing Advances for Multiple Transmission Reception Points in Wireless Communication

This application relates generally to wireless communication systems, including wireless communication systems for UEs that operate with multiple TRPs.

Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards and protocols to transmit data between a base station and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP new radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) (commonly known to industry groups as Wi-Fi®).

As contemplated by the 3GPP, different wireless communication systems standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) for communicating between a base station of the RAN (which may also sometimes be referred to generally as a RAN node, a network node, or simply a node) and a wireless communication device known as a user equipment (UE). 3GPP RANs can include, for example, global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and/or Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

Each RAN may use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, the GERAN implements GSM and/or EDGE RAT, the UTRAN implements universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, the E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In certain deployments, the E-UTRAN may also implement NR RAT. In certain deployments, NG-RAN may also implement LTE RAT.

A base station used by a RAN may correspond to that RAN. One example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (also commonly denoted as evolved Node B, enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). One example of an NG-RAN base station is a next generation Node B (also sometimes referred to as a g Node B or gNB).

A RAN provides its communication services with external entities through its connection to a core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN may utilize an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), while NG-RAN may utilize a 5G Core Network (5GC).

Frequency bands for 5G NR may be separated into two or more different frequency ranges. For example, Frequency Range 1 (FR1) may include frequency bands operating in sub-6 gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, some of which are bands that may be used by previous standards, and may potentially be extended to cover new spectrum offerings from 410 megahertz (MHz) to 7125 MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) may include frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Note that in some systems, FR2 may also include frequency bands from 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz (or beyond). Bands in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range of FR2 may have smaller coverage but potentially higher available bandwidth than bands in FR1. Skilled persons will recognize these frequency ranges, which are provided by way of example, may change from time to time or from region to region.

Various embodiments are described with regard to a UE. However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and/or firmware to exchange information and data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any appropriate electronic component.

New mobile services corresponding to low-latency and high reliability performance use cases (e.g., ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC)) are emerging. Accordingly, enhancement of wireless communications systems (e.g., wireless communications systems implementing the 5G standard) for mobility robustness and performance within such scenarios is beneficial.

Uplink (UL) timing enhancements that further these goals may accordingly be beneficial. It has been determined that multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) evolutions for downlink (DL) and UL may specify cases where two timing advances (TAs) in UL for multiple downlink control information (DCI) (mDCI) for multiple transmission reception point (TRP) (mTRP) may be used. Additionally, it has been determined that such MIMO evolutions may specify mechanisms and procedures of layer 1 (L1)/layer 2 (L2) based inter-cell mobility for mobility latency reduction, such as TA management mechanisms and procedures in such cases.

It may be that the UE is configured with a pair of timing advance groups (TAGs). A first of the TAGs may be associated with UL communication by the UE to a first TRP, and a second of the TAGs may be associated with UL communication by the UE to a second TRP. In some cases, the UL communication to the first TRP is performed by the UE using a first UL panel of the UE, and the UL communication to the second TRP is performed by the UE using a second UL panel of the UE.

Each of the pair of TAGs may be associated with the use of a same frequency to communicate with its respective TRP. Herein, such TAGs that are associated with the use of that same frequency may be referred to as “intra-frequency TAGs.” When performing an UL transmission using the frequency corresponding to the two intra-frequency TAGs configured at the UE for two different TRPs, the UE may identify one of the two TAGs as associated with the UL transmission and perform the UL transmission according to that TAG. This causes the UL transmission to be configured appropriately for reception at the TRP for that TAG.

Each of the first TAG and the second TAG may use (e.g., different) TA values (e.g., corresponding to different distances of the UE from each of the TRPs). Accordingly, a first UL transmission that is for the first TRP may be sent with a timing that is determined using a first TA value for the first TAG, and a second UL transmission that is for the second TRP may be sent with a timing that is determined using a second TA value for the second TAG.

1 FIG. 100 100 100 102 104 A TAG may be understood/defined at the UE (at least in part) according to a TAG configuration for the TAG that is provided by the network to the UE.illustrates a templatefor a TAG configuration, according to embodiments herein. Note that the templatemay be a template for, for example, an ASN.1 configuration used by the UE. The templateillustrates that a TAG configuration may include a dedicated TAG identifier (TAG-ID)for the corresponding TAG and one or more time alignment timer (TAT) value(s)used corresponding to that TAG that identifies a length of time for which a TA corresponding to the TAG is valid.

2 FIG. 200 200 202 204 208 206 210 208 illustrates a diagramcorresponding to uses of TAG configurations in an UL mTRP case, according to embodiments herein. The diagramillustrates a UEthat performs UL communications with a first TRPassociated with a first TAGand with a second TRPassociated with a second TAGthat is an intra-frequency TAG with the first TAG.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 202 204 212 206 214 Embodiments discussed herein may relate to intra-frequency TAG use toward multiple TRPs in either an inter-cell case and/or an inter-cell case. In an inter-cell case, the UE connects to each of the TRPs (on the same frequency) on different cells (e.g., having different physical cell identities (PCIs)).illustrates such an inter-cell case, because the UEconnects with the first TRPon a first cellhaving a first PCI (“PCI-1” in), while the UE further connects with the second TRPon a second cellhaving a second PCI (“PCI-2” in).

In an intra-cell case, the UE connects/is connected to each of the TRPs on the same cell (e.g., each of the TRPs broadcast a same cell (having a same PCI) for the UE's use).

Unless the particular context of a described embodiment makes it otherwise clear, it should be understood that discussion herein may applied in both the inter-cell and intra-cell cases.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 208 216 204 208 204 212 202 216 206 214 212 214 illustrates that the first TAGis undergoing mobilityrelative to the first TRPand the first TAG. In inter-cell cases, it may be that communications with one of the TRPs occur on a “serving cell,” which may be a cell to which a UE is has been/is already connected (e.g., prior to/unrelated to any mobility). Further, in such inter-cell cases, it may be that communications with the other of the TRP occur on a “non-serving cell,” which may be a cell to which the UE is initiating a new connection (e.g., attendant the new cell as broadcast by this second TRP coming within range due to mobility). Accordingly, relative to the inter-cell case illustrated in, and assuming an existing connection with the first TRPon the first cell, as the UEexperiences the mobilityit initiates (another) connection with the second TRPon the second cellcorresponding to mTRP use as described herein. Under such circumstances, the first cellwould be understood to be a “serving cell” while the second cellwould be understood to be a “non-serving cell.”

A first issue that arises when using two TAs for UL mDCI mTRP relates to the manner of allowing for different TAs for UL transmissions toward different TRPs. For example, a manner of determining the TA values for different UL transmissions towards the different TRPs may need to be defined.

Embodiments herein accomplish the association of a TA value to a UL transmission in the mTRP case via the use of TAGs. Accordingly, various aspects related to the association between UL transmission(s) and corresponding intra-frequency TAG(s) (e.g., where each intra-frequency TAG uses a corresponding (e.g., different) TA) are now discussed.

In some embodiments, a UE may be provided with a TAG list by radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network. The TAG list may include TAG configurations for TAGs that correspond to cells of a cell group (e.g., a master cell group (MCG) or a serving cell group (SCG)).

In some designs, a maximum number of TAG configurations indicated in a TAG list maybe larger than four. For example, in some cases, (up to) eight TAG configurations may be indicated in a TAG list. It is noted that the use of (up to) eight TAG configurations in a TAG list may be improved from prior wireless communication systems, which may allow, for example, only (up to) four such TAG configurations.

A UE capability maybe introduced that indicates the maximum number of TAGs supported by a UE. The UE may indicate this capability to the network in a UE capability message. In some designs, the network accordingly limits the number of TAG configurations sent in a TAG list to less than or equal to the UE capability as indicated.

Multiple options may be considered for the configuration of TATs for the TAG configurations of the TAG list for a pair of intra-frequency TAGs. In a first option, two separate timeAlignmentTimer parameters for individual (e.g., different) TATs may be configured in the TAG configurations of the TAG list for two intra-frequency TAGs, such that one of the intra-frequency TAGs uses one of the TATs and the other of the intra-frequency TAGs uses the other of the TATs.

In a second option, a single timeAlignmentTimer parameter having a TAT may be configured by RRC signaling explicitly in a TAG configuration of the TAG list for one of the two intra-frequency TAGs. Based on this explicit indication for a TAT for one of the intra-frequency TAGs, the UE may use the (same) TAT for the other of the intra-frequency TAGs.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 202 218 202 218 202 218 In the embodiment of, the UEhas been configured by the network with the TAG list. As illustrated, (up to) eight TAG configurations maybe configured for the UEin the TAG list, (e.g., subject to a UE capability of the UEas discussed herein).accordingly illustrates that the TAG listhas eight TAG configurations, indexed from 0 to 7.

208 220 218 210 222 220 222 As illustrated, the first TAGcorresponds to the index 1 TAG configurationof the TAG listand the second TAGcorresponds to the index 3 TAG configuration, which are in this case intra-frequency TAGs. The index 1 TAG configurationand the index 3 TAG configurationmay have been selected based on communications between the UE and the network.

220 222 202 220 208 204 202 222 210 206 In some embodiments, as is discussed herein, it may be that each of the index 1 TAG configurationand the index 3 TAG configurationis configured with an individual TAT. Accordingly, the UEuses the TAT given in the index 1 TAG configurationwith a TA mechanism for UL transmissions according to the first TAGto the first TRP. Further, the UEuses the TAT given in the index 3 TAG configurationwith a TA mechanism for UL transmissions according to the second TAGto the second TRP.

220 208 222 210 208 204 208 210 202 210 206 In other cases, as is discussed herein, the network may configure one of the index 1 TAG configurationfor the first TAGand the index 3 TAG configurationfor the second TAGwith an explicit TAT for use with a TA mechanism for UL transmissions according to the first TAGto the first TRP. Then, based on the fact that the first TAGand the second TAGare intra-frequency TAGs, the UEthen applies the use of the same TAT with a TA mechanism for UL transmissions according to the second TAGto the second TRP. The use of such an implicit method (for at least one of the TAGs) may minimize the signaling overhead relative to cases where multiple TATs are explicitly indicated.

3 FIG. 300 Various options for UE behavior when one or more TAT timer(s) expires are now discussed., illustrates a methodof a UE for handling TAT timer expiration, according to embodiments herein.

302 304 When a TAT corresponding to a TAG expires, the UE may notifythe network (e.g., via RRC) to release any physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)/sounding reference signal (SRS)/DL semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resources and any configured grant (CG) physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and/or PUSCH resources for semi-persistent channel state information (SP-CSI) reporting corresponding to that TAG. A TA value (e.g., an NTA value) corresponding to the TAG may be maintained at the UE.

306 308 308 310 Additionally, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffers of the serving cell may be handled at the UE as follows when the TAT for the TAG expires. In a first case, the UE determinesthat the HARQ buffers are shared between this TAG and a second intra-frequency TAG to the TAG as associated with two UL panels. The use of such shared HARQ buffers may correspond to a case where a single (same) distributed unit (DU) corresponds to each TRP, such that a backhaul (BH) for the first TRP and the second TRP is effectively ideal as between the TRPs. In the case that shared HARQ buffers are being used, the UE then checkswhether both of the TAT timers have expired (e.g., the UE checkswhether a second TAT corresponding to the intra-frequency TAG to this TAG has also expired). If both TATs (for each intra-frequency TAG) have expired, the UE flushesthe shared HARQ buffers for each of the TAGs.

306 310 In a second case, the UE determinesthat the HARQ buffers are not shared between this TAG and a second intra-frequency TAG to the TAG as associated with two UL panels. The use of separate HARQ buffers may correspond to a case where a different DU corresponds to each TRP, such BH characteristics applicable to the first TAG are not the same as BH characteristics applicable to the second TAG. In this case, the UE flushesthe HARQ buffer that corresponds to the TAG of the expired TAT timer (on an individual basis).

4 FIG. 4 FIG. 400 400 400 402 In some cases, whether HARQ buffers for two intra-frequency TAGs are shared or not may be explicitly configured by RRC signaling from the network to the UE on a per cell group basis.illustrates a templatefor a configuration for a cell group that implements an RRC-based HARQ-buffer sharing indication, according to embodiments herein. Note that the templatemay be a template for, for example, an ASN.1 configuration used by the UE. The templateprovides a sharedHARQTwoTAGs indicationthat, as illustrated in, indicates whether HARQ buffers are shared for two intra-frequency TAGs.

Alternatives used by the UE to associate a TAG configuration for a TAG from the TAG list to a particular UL transmission to a TRP (such that the UL transmission is sent according to that TAG) are now discussed.

In a first alternative, it may be that a UL transmission at the UE is associated with a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state that is to be used for that UL transmission. For example, a UL transmission may be associated with one of a joint UL/DL TCI state and/or an UL TCI state that controls aspects of the UL transmission. Such TCI states may have been previously configured to/activated at the UE. In some cases, the TCI state to be used for the UL transmission is indicted by a DCI format that schedules the UL transmission.

5 FIG. 502 504 For each joint UL/DL or UL TCI state, a TAG-ID associated with one of the two intra-frequency TAGs may be explicitly provided by RRC signaling from the network to the UE.illustrates templates,for TCI state configurations that include TAG-IDs according to embodiments herein.

502 506 502 506 506 The first templatecorresponds to a configuration for a joint UL/DL TCI state, and illustrates that the configuration for the joint UL/DL TCI state may include a TAG-ID. Note that the first templatemay be a template for, for example, an ASN.1 configuration used by the UE. In the case that the UE identifies that the UL transmission is to be sent according to a joint UL/DL TCI state that is configured with a TAG-ID, the UE associates the UL transmission with the TAG corresponding to the TAG-ID.

504 508 504 508 508 The second templatecorresponds to a configuration for a UL TCI state, and illustrates that the configuration for the UL TCI state may include a TAG-ID. Note that the second templatemay be a template for, for example, an ASN.1 configuration used by the UE. In the case that the UE identifies that the UL transmission is to be sent according to a UL TCI state that is configured with a TAG-ID, the UE associates the UL transmission with the TAG corresponding to the TAG-ID.

Note that in some cases, in order to address a TAG number limitation at the UE, a single TAG-ID may be configured for all non-serving cells (since in such cases only one of the TCI states for seven non-serving cells can be activated).

Once the TAG associated with the TCI state of the UL transmission is determined, the UE adjusts the uplink timing for the UL transmission (e.g., a PUSCH/SRS/PUCCH transmission) based on the TA value for this corresponding TAG.

In a second alternative, it may be that control resource sets (CORESETs) used by the UE (e.g., to receive physical downlink control channels (PDCCHs)) are associated with different CORESET pools corresponding to respective coresetPoolIndex values. In such cases, a UE may be provided with a coresetPoolIndex value of ‘0’ or ‘1’ corresponding each TAG configuration by RRC signaling.

6 FIG. 1 FIG. 600 602 600 600 100 illustrates a templatefor a TAG configuration that shows that that a TAG configuration may include a coresetPoolIndex valuefor the corresponding TAG, according to embodiments herein. Note that the templatemay be a template for, for example, an ASN.1 configuration used by the UE. The templatemay be a further-specified version of the templateof, as discussed herein.

Then, in the case of a UL transmission that is scheduled by a UL grant, the UE uses the TA of the TAG associated with the same value of coresetPoolIndex as the CORESET where the UE detects a DCI format carrying the UL grant in a monitored search space.

In the case of a UL transmission without a UL grant (e.g., a Typel CG-PUSCH, or PUCCH resource for periodic channel state information (P-CSI)/SP-CSI/periodic sounding reference signal (P-SRS)), the associated coresetPoolIndex value to use corresponding to such transmissions may be indicated by RRC signaling (e.g., a configuration provided by RRC signaling). Alternatively, a TAG-ID corresponding to such transmissions maybe provided by RRC signaling (e.g., a configuration provided by RRC signaling), and the TA of that TAG is then used.

6 FIG. Note that in some cases (and as illustrated in) a default coresetPoolIndex value (e.g., ‘0’) may be assumed to be the applicable coresetPoolIndex for a TAG if the coresetPoolIndex field is not present in a TAG configuration for the TAG. Under such circumstances, it may be that an explicit indication of coresetPoolIndex may be intentionally dropped/not used by the network in TAG configurations for which the default coresetPoolIndex applies in order to minimize signaling overhead.

Once the TAG associated with the applicable coresetPoolIndex is determined, the UE adjusts the uplink timing for the UL transmission (e.g., a PUSCH/SRS/PUCCH transmission) based on the TA value for this corresponding TAG.

In a third alternative, it may be that the UE identifies the TAG associated with a UL transmission based on a pathloss (PL) reference signal (RS) of an indicated TCI state. As described herein, a UE may be configured with various TCI states (joint UL/DL TCI states, UL TCI states) that may be used to determine characteristics for a UL transmission. Such TCI states may indicate a PL RS that is associated with that TCI state.

For the UL transmission, as between the two intra-frequency TAGs, the TAG with larger TAG-ID is associated with the UL transmission in the case, for example, that the PL RS of the TCI state for the UL transmission is either a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with a non-serving cell or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) with a scrambling identifier (ID) configured by RRC signaling that is different from a scrambling ID used by the PCI of a serving cell. Otherwise, the TAG with the smaller TAG-ID is associated with the UL transmission.

7 FIG. 700 702 illustrates a tableproviding an example of TAG association corresponding to a number of UL TCI states, according to embodiments herein. Assume that two intra frequency TAGs used at the UE to communicate with two TRPs are configured by RRC signaling as TAG #2 and TAG #6.

702 702 Further assume that four UL TCI statesusable for UL transmissions are configured to/activated at the UE. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, one or more of the UL TCI statescould instead be joint UL/DL TCI states, as have been described.

702 704 706 700 By comparing the UL TCI states, the PL RSs, and the PL RS informationin the table, it can be seen that the PL RS of UL TCI state #1 is an SSB of a serving cell, the PL RS of UL TCI state #2 is an SSB of a non-serving cell, the PL RS of UL TCI state #3 is a first CSI-RS that does not use a scrambling ID that is different from a scrambling ID used by a PCI of a serving cell, and the PL RS of UL TCI state #4 is a second CSI-RS that uses a scrambling ID that is different from the scrambling ID used by a PCI of a serving cell.

708 Under such circumstances, using the example rules given above, UL TCI state #1 is associated with the TAG with the smaller ID (TAG #2, as illustrated in the TAG-ID information) because its PL RS is an SSB of the serving cell. Accordingly, a UL transmission that uses UL TCI state #1 is associated with TAG #2.

708 Further, UL TCI state #2 is associated with the TAG with the larger ID (TAG #6, as illustrated in the TAG-ID information) because its PL RS is an SSB of a non-serving cell. Accordingly, a UL transmission that uses UL TCI state #2 is associated with TAG #6.

708 Further, UL TCI state #3 is associated with the TAG with the smaller ID (TAG #2, as illustrated in the TAG-ID information) because its PL RS is a CSI-RS that is does not have a scrambling ID that is different from the PCI of the serving cell. Accordingly, a UL transmission that uses UL TCI state #3 is associate with TAG #2.

708 Finally, UL TCI state #4 is associated with the TAG with the larger ID (TAG #6, as illustrated in the TAG-ID information) because its PL RS is a CSI-RS that has a scrambling ID that is different from the PCI of the serving cell. Accordingly, a UL transmission that uses UL TCI state #4 is associated with TAG #6.

702 Accordingly, for a UL transmission, the UE can identify the TAG that corresponds to the one of the UL TCI statesused by the UL transmission. Accordingly, the UE adjusts the uplink timing for the UL transmission (e.g., a PUSCH/SRS/PUCCH transmission) based on the TA value for this corresponding TAG.

7 FIG. The rules applied in relation to the exampleare given by way of example and not by way of limitation. For example, in other embodiments, it may be that as between two intra-frequency TAGs, the TAG with smaller TAG-ID is associated with a UL transmission in the case that the PL RS of the TCI state for the UL transmission is either an SSB associated with a non-serving cell or a CSI-RS with a scrambling ID configured by RRC signaling that is different from the PCI of the serving cell, and that otherwise the TAG with the larger TAG-ID is associated with the UL transmission.

8 FIG. 800 800 802 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes receiving, from a network, a first configuration for a first TAG used by the UE in UL to communicate with a first TRP of the network using a frequency and a second configuration for a second TAG used by the UE in UL to communicate with a second TRP of the network using the frequency.

800 804 The methodfurther includes identifyingthat a first UL transmission using the frequency is associated with the first TAG.

800 806 The methodfurther includes performingthe first UL transmission at a first time determined based on a first TA value for the first TAG.

800 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes identifying that a second UL transmission using the frequency is associated with the second TAG and performing the second UL transmission at a second time determined based on a second TA value for the second TAG.

800 800 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG and the second configuration for the second TAG are received in a TAG list comprising a plurality of configurations for a plurality of TAGs that includes the first TAG and the second TAG. In some such embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the network, a UE capability message indicating a maximum number of the plurality of TAGs that can be supported by the UE.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG comprises a first time alignment timer for the first TAG, and the second configuration for the second TAG comprises a second time alignment timer for the second TAG.

800 800 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG comprises a first time alignment timer for the first TAG, and the methodfurther includes determining that the first time alignment timer is also used for the second TAG.

800 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes identifying that a first HARQ buffer of the UE and a second HARQ buffer of the UE are shared across the first TAG and the second TAG, determining that a first time alignment timer for the first TAG has expired and that a second time alignment timer for the second TAG has expired, and flushing each of the first HARQ buffer and the second HARQ buffer in response to the determining that the first time alignment timer for the first TAG has expired and that the second time alignment timer for the second TAG has expired.

800 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes identifying that a first HARQ buffer of the UE and a second HARQ buffer of the UE are not shared across the first TAG and the second TAG, determining that a time alignment timer for the first TAG has expired, and flushing the first HARQ buffer in response to the determining that the time alignment timer for the first TAG has expired.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the identifying that the first UL transmission is associated with the first TAG comprises determining that a TAG identifier of the first TAG is associated with a first TCI state that is indicated to be used for the first UL transmission by a DCI format that schedules the first UL transmission.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG identifies a CORESET pool associated with the first TAG, and the identifying that the first UL transmission is associated with the first TAG comprises determining that a DCI format that schedules the first UL transmission is received in a CORESET of the CORESET pool associated with the first TAG.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission is a grant-free UL transmission, and the identifying that the first UL transmission is associated with the first TAG comprises determining that a configuration at the UE for the grant-free UL transmission identifies a CORESET pool that is associated with the first TAG at the UE.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission is a grant-free UL transmission, and the identifying that the first UL transmission is associated with the first TAG comprises determining that a configuration for the grant-free UL transmission identifies a TAG identifier that is associated with the first TAG at the UE.

800 In some embodiments of the method, the identifying that the first UL transmission is associated with the first TAG comprises determining that a first TAG identifier identifying the first TAG is larger than a second TAG identifier identifying the second tag and determining that a PL RS of a TCI state configured at the UE that is used for the first UL transmission is one of an SSB of a non-serving cell of the UE and a CSI-RS with a first scrambling identifier that is different than a second scrambling identifier used by a PCI of a serving cell of the UE.

9 FIG. 900 900 902 illustrates a methodof a RAN, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes sending, to a UE, a TAG list comprising a plurality of configurations for a plurality of TAGs, the plurality of configurations comprising a first configuration for a first TAG useable in UL to communicate with a first TRP of the RAN using a frequency and a second configuration for a second TAG usable in UL to communicate with a second TRP of the network using the frequency.

900 904 The methodfurther includes receivinga first UL transmission from the UE at the first TRP.

900 906 The methodfurther includes receivinga second UL transmission from the UE at the second TRP.

900 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG comprises a first time alignment timer for the first TAG. In some such embodiments, the second configuration for the second TAG comprises a second time alignment timer for the second TAG.

900 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the UE, an indication that a first HARQ buffer of the UE and a second HARQ buffer of the UE are shared across the first TAG and the second TAG.

900 900 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the UE, a first TCI state configuration that identifies the first TAG as associated with a first TCI state. In some such embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the UE, a second TCI state configuration that identifies the second TAG as associated with a second TCI state.

900 In some embodiments of the method, the first configuration for the first TAG identifies a first CORESET pool that is associated with the first TAG. In some such embodiments, the second configuration for the second TAG identifies a second CORESET pool that is associated with the second TAG.

Another issue that arises when using two TAs for UL mDCI mTRP relates to the DL reference timing(s) that serve as the basis to apply any received TA commands from the network to UL transmissions from the UE to corresponding TRPs. For example, the manner of determining the DL reference timing(s) for UL transmissions towards (each/either of) two TRPs may need to be defined.

10 FIG. 10 FIG. 1000 1002 According to various aspects, a variety of alternatives maybe considered to determine a DL reference timing against which to apply the TA command for the UL transmission to the corresponding TRP.illustrates a tableshowing information corresponding to various alternatives for determining DL reference timing for a TA command, according to embodiments herein. As seen in, it may be that, for example, a UE is configured with eight active TCI statesfor UL transmissions (which may be, e.g., joint UL/DL TCI state(s) and/or UL TCI state(s)) that have been activated at the UE using a medium access control control element (MAC-CE) TCI-state activation command.

In a first alternative, a DL reference timing against which the appropriate TA value is applied is determined based on a reception time of a source RS that is associated with a TCI state that is used by the UL transmission. Note that in a case where a source RS for a TCI state is a sounding reference signal (SRS), the pathloss RS associated with the TCI state may be used to determine the DL reference timing.

10 FIG. 1002 1002 1004 With reference to, it may be seen that each TCI stateis associated with a different source RS. Accordingly, it may be understood that UE maintains eight timing loops corresponding to potential UL transmissions for each of the eight TCI states, with each timing determined relative to the one of the source RSsthat corresponds to that TCI state.

In a second alternative, the UE determines a first DL reference timing based on the first detected path (in time) of a corresponding DL frame from the group of source RSs of activated TCI states that are transmitted by a serving cell (e.g., a reception time of a first-in-time of the group of source RSs for the serving cell). Further, the UE determines a second DL reference timing based on the first detected path (in time) of a corresponding DL frame from the group of source RSs from the TCI states that are transmitted by a non-serving cell (e.g., a reception time of a first-in-time of the group of source RSs for the non-serving cell).

1002 1000 1006 1008 Accordingly, assuming the use of the TCI statesof the table, under the second alternative, the UE identifies that SSB #1, SSB #3, CSI-RS #2, and CSI-RS #5 (the source RSs of TCI states #0-3) are reference signals of a serving cell, and that SSB #2, SSB #5, CSI-RS #3, and CSI-RS #8 (the source RSs of TCI states #4-7) are references signals of a non-serving cell. A first DL reference timing is then determined/maintained based on the first-in-time to arrive (at the UE) of SSB #1, SSB #3, CSI-RS #2, and CSI-RS #5, and is used to apply a TA command that is associated with the TRP of the serving cell. Further, a second DL reference timing is determined/maintained based on the first-in-time to arrive (at the UE) of SSB #2, SSB #5, CSI-RS #3, and CSI-RS #8, and is used to apply a TA command that is associated with the TRP of the non-serving cell.

For relatively larger numbers of active TCI states at the UE, it may be that it is relatively complicated (from the perspective of UE implementation) to maintain a number of DL timings that is (up to) the number of active TCI states, as described in relation to the first alternative. This second alternative instead causes the UE to maintain DL reference timings on a per-cell basis, and therefore the upper limit on complexity as compared to the first alternative (where a number DL reference timings maintained is equal to (up to) the total number of active TCI states) may be lower for a same set of active TCI states at the UE.

In a third alternative, the UE determines a first DL reference timing based on the first detected path (in time) of a corresponding DL frame from the group of source RSs of activated TCI states associated with a first coresetPoolIndex values (e.g., a reception time of a first-in-time of the group of source RSs for activated TCI states associated with a first of the coresetPoolIndex values). Further, the UE determines a second DL reference timing based on the first detected path (in time) of the corresponding DL frame from the group of source RSs of activated TCI states associated with a second coresetPoolIndex value (e.g., a reception time of a first-in-time of the group of source RSs for activated TCI states associated with the other of the coresetPoolIndex values). In such cases, for each TCI state configured at the UE, a coresetPoolIndex value may be provided by RRC signaling. In some cases, the coresetPoolIndex values may be ‘0’ or ‘1’. In some cases, each of the TRPs may be associated with one or the other of the coresetPoolIndex by a TAG configuration for a TAG being used by the UE to communicate with that TRP that indicates the corresponding coresetPoolIndex value (as is described elsewhere herein).

1002 1000 1010 1000 Accordingly, assuming the use of the TCI statesof the tableand with further reference to the coresetPoolIndex valuesof the table, under the third alternative, the UE identifies that the TCI states #0-3 are associated with a coresetPoolIndex value of ‘0’, and that SSB #1, SSB #3, CSI-RS #2, and CSI-RS #5 are the source RSs of TCI states #0-3. Further, the UE identifies that the TCI states #4-7 are associated with coresetPoolIndex value of ‘1’, and that SSB #2, SSB #5, CSI-RS #3, and CSI-RS #8 are the source RSs of TCI states #4-7. A first DL reference timing is then determined/maintained based on the first-in-time to arrive of SSB #1, SSB #3, CSI-RS #2, and CSI-RS #5, and is used to apply a TA command that is associated with the TRP corresponding to the coresetPoolIndex value of ‘0’. Further, a second DL reference timing is determined/maintained based on the first in time to arrive of SSB #2, SSB #5, CSI-RS #3, and CSI-RS #8, and is used to apply a TA command that is associated with the TRP corresponding to the coresetPoolIndex value of ‘1’.

7 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. Note that the particular arrangement of coresetPoolIndex value to TCI state illustrated inis given by way of example and not by way of limitation. Other such arrangements are possible (including other such arrangements corresponding to the use of the same particular set of active TCI states illustrated in). It is also contemplated that in some alternative embodiments from that illustrated in, a different number (e.g., more than two) of coresetPoolIndex values may be assigned across one or more configured/activated TCI states at the UE, in which case a corresponding number of TAGs (e.g., more than two TAGs) may each be associated with one or more TCI states in the set.

This third alternative causes the UE to maintain DL reference timings on a per-coresetPoolIndex value basis, and therefore the upper limit on complexity as compared to the first alternative (where a number DL reference timings maintained is equal to (up to) the total number of active TCI states) may be lower for a same set of active TCI states at the UE. Further, because there is no assumption of the use of a serving cell and a non-serving cell the third alternative may be used in an intra-cell mTRP usage case.

In some embodiments (e.g., corresponding to the first through third alternatives), the UE may send a UE capability message to the network that indicates whether or not the UE supports a maximum DL reception timing difference between a first DL reference timing for the first TRP and a second DL reference timing for the second TRP that is larger than a cyclic prefix (CP) length used by the UE. In such a case where the different between the first DL reference timing and the second DL reference timing exceeds this CP length, it may be that the UE stops the use of one or both of the DL reference timings.

11 FIG. 1100 1100 1102 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes identifyinga first TCI state associated with a first source reference signal from one or more configured TCI states at the UE that is for a first UL transmission by the UE to a first TRP of a network using a frequency.

1100 1104 The methodfurther includes identifyinga second TCI state associated with a second source reference signal from the one or more configured TCI states at the UE that is for a second UL transmission by the UE to a second TRP of the network using the frequency.

1100 1106 The methodfurther includes determininga first DL reference timing corresponding to the first TRP based on a first reception time of the first source reference signal.

1100 1108 The methodfurther includes determininga second DL reference timing corresponding to the second TRP based on a second reception time of the second source reference signal.

1100 1110 The methodfurther includes performingthe first UL transmission to the first TRP at a first time determined based on the first DL reference timing.

1100 1112 The methodfurther includes performingthe second UL transmission to the second TRP at a second time determined based on the second DL reference timing.

1100 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the network, a UE capability message indicating whether the UE supports a use of a DL reception timing difference between the first DL reference timing and the second DL reference timing that is greater than a CP length used by the UE.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission and the second UL transmission are on a same CC.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission is on a first CC and the second UL transmission is on a second CC, wherein the first CC and the second CC are on the frequency.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first source reference signal comprises an SSB.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first source reference signal comprises a CSI-RS.

1100 In some embodiments of the method, the first source reference signal comprises a PL RS for the first TCI state.

12 FIG. 1200 1200 1202 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes identifyingfirst one or more configured TCI states at the UE that are associated with first one or more source reference signals of a serving cell of a first TRP of a network.

1200 1204 The methodfurther includes identifyingsecond one or more configured TCI states at the UE that are associated with second one or more source reference signals of a non-serving cell of a second TRP of the network.

1200 1206 The methodfurther includes identifyingfrom the first one or more source reference signals, a first source reference signal that is detected first-in-time among the first one or more source reference signals to arrive at the UE during a DL frame.

1200 1208 The methodfurther includes determininga first DL reference timing corresponding to the serving cell based on a first reception time of the first source reference signal.

1200 1210 The methodfurther includes identifyingthat a first TCI state from the first one or more configured TCI states is for a first UL transmission by the UE on the serving cell using a frequency.

1200 1212 The methodfurther includes performingthe first UL transmission on the serving cell at a first time determined based on the first DL reference timing.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes identifying, from the second one or more source reference signals, a second source reference signal that is detected first-in-time among the second one or more source reference signals to arrive at the UE during the DL frame, determining a second DL reference timing corresponding to the non-serving cell based on a second reception time of the second source reference signal, identifying that a second TCI state from the second one or more configured TCI states is for a second UL transmission by the UE on the non-serving cell using the frequency, and performing the second UL transmission on the non-serving cell at a second time determined based on the second DL reference timing.

1200 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the network, a UE capability message indicating whether the UE supports a use of a DL reception timing difference between the first DL reference timing and a second DL reference timing corresponding to the non-serving cell of the second TRP that is greater than a CP length used by the UE.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises an SSB.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises a CSI-RS.

1200 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises a PL RS for one of the first one or more configured TCI states.

13 FIG. 1300 1300 1302 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes identifyingfirst one or more configured TCI states at the UE that are associated with a first CORESET pool corresponding to a first TRP of a network, the first one or more TCI states associated with first one or more source reference signals.

1300 1304 The methodfurther includes identifyingsecond one or more configured TCI states at the UE that are associated with a second CORESET pool corresponding to a second TRP of the network, the second one or more TCI states associated with second one or more source reference signals.

1300 1306 The methodfurther includes identifying, from the first one or more source reference signals, a first source reference signal that is detected first-in-time among the first one or more source reference signals to arrive at the UE during a DL frame.

1300 1308 The methodfurther includes determininga first DL reference timing corresponding to the first TRP based on a first reception time of the first source reference signal.

1300 1310 The methodfurther includes identifyingthat a first TCI state from the first one or more configured TCI states is for a first UL transmission by the UE to the first TRP using a frequency.

1300 1312 The methodfurther includes performingthe first UL transmission on to the first TRP at a first time determined based on the first DL reference timing.

1300 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes identifying, from the second one or more source reference signals, a second source reference signal that is detected first-in-time among the second one or more source reference signals to arrive at the UE during the DL frame, determining a second DL reference timing corresponding to the second TRP based on a second reception time of the second source reference signal, identifying that a second TCI state from the second one or more configured TCI states is for a second UL transmission by the UE to the second TRP using the frequency, and performing the second UL transmission to the second TRP at a second time determined based on the second DL reference timing.

1300 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission and the second UL transmission are on a same CC.

1300 In some embodiments of the method, the first UL transmission is on a first CC and the second UL transmission is on a second CC, wherein the first CC and the second CC are on the frequency.

1300 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes sending, to the network, a UE capability message indicating whether the UE supports a use of a DL reception timing difference between the first DL reference timing and a second DL reference timing corresponding to the second serving cell of the second TRP that is greater than a CP length used by the UE.

1300 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises an SSB.

1300 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises a CSI-RS.

1300 In some embodiments of the method, the first one or more source reference signals comprises a PL RS for one of the first one or more configured TCI states.

Another issue that arises when using two TAs for UL mDCI mTRP relates to the handling of overlapping that may occur between UL transmissions in two adjacent slots towards different TRPs using different TAs. This consideration may be applicable in, for example, cases where the wireless communications system includes one or more UEs that are not capable of simultaneous UL transmission across a pair of UL antenna panels.

TA,offset TA,offset c c TA,offset c In such cases, the exact overlapped length depends on the PUSCH time domain resource assignment (TDRA) value and an Nconfiguration. If a single Nis configured and shared for two TRPs, the maximum overlapping length for 15 kilohertz (kHz) subcarrier spacing (SCS) can be 32·16·64·T=32768*T≈16 us, which is, larger than a CP length and ⅕ of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. However, if separate Nvalues are configured for two TRPs, the maximum overlapping length for two consecutive slots can be (39936+63)·16·64*T, which may be up to several OFDM symbols.

Note that in cases using different TAs for different TRPs, the overlapping of two slots for two panels in the described manner can occur regularly, due to the fact that independent schedulers may be used for two TRPs and the fact that a BH may be non-ideal (e.g., BH characteristics applicable to the first TAG are not the same as BH characteristics applicable to the second TAG). Accordingly, a defined manner of handling such overlapped UL transmissions within the system promotes system performance with respect to this relatively common scenario.

A variety of approaches maybe considered to handle cases where such an overlap between two UL transmissions associated with two TAs exists.

Under a first alternative, it may be that a use of one or other of the slots as adjusted by the corresponding TA for the corresponding TRP is reduced in duration for that TRP relative to the normal slot to account for the overlap. In other words, data of a UL transmission on the UL panel corresponding to the TRP for the overlapped portion of the slot for the UL transmission (as adjusted by the corresponding TA) is dropped at the UE.

14 FIG.A 1402 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1404 1406 1406 1404 1412 1410 1416 1408 1406 1404 1406 1414 1412 1410 1412 1406 1412 illustrates a diagramshowing a manner of dropping data of a UL transmission in the case of an overlap between slots for two UL transmissions at different UL panels of the UE, according to embodiments herein. As illustrated, a UE includes a first UL panelwhich is being used to perform a first UL transmissionon a first slotand a second UL panelthat is being used to perform a second UL transmissionon a second slot. In the case that the first UL paneland the first UL transmissionare for different TRPs, different TAs may apply corresponding to the first UL transmissionon the first UL paneland the second UL transmissionon the second UL panel. Accordingly, an overlapbetween the ending portion of the first slotused by first UL transmissionon the first UL panel(as adjusted by the applicable TA value for the first UL transmission) and the beginning portion second slotfor the second UL transmissionon the second UL panel(as adjusted the applicable TA value for the second UL transmission) exists, causing the first UL transmissionand the second UL transmissionto collide.

14 FIG.A 1418 1412 1414 1408 As illustrated, in the case of, to resolve the collision, the UE dropsdata of the second UL transmissionthat is that is for the beginning portion of the second slotthat overlaps with the first slot.

14 FIG.B 14 FIG.A 1420 1404 1406 1408 1410 1412 1414 1416 illustrates a diagramshowing a manner of dropping data of a UL transmission in the case of an overlap between slots for two UL transmissions at different UL panels of the UE, according to embodiments herein. The first UL panel, the first UL transmission, the first slot, the second UL panel, the second UL transmission, the second slot, and the overlapmay all be arranged as was described in relation to.

14 FIG.A 14 FIG.B 1422 1406 1408 1414 However, as illustrated, differently from the case of, in the case of, to resolve the collision, the UE dropsdata of the first UL transmissionthat is for the ending portion of the first slotthat overlaps with the second slot.

14 FIG.B 14 FIG.A 14 FIG.B 14 FIG.A 1408 1414 1412 1414 Note that in some cases, dropping a portion of overlapped data from the earlier slot (as in) is more preferable than dropping a portion overlapped data from a later slot (as in), because this causes data at the end of a slot (e.g., at the end of the first slot, as in) to be dropped as opposed to the dropping of data at the beginning of a slot (e.g., at the beginning of the second slot, as in). This option may be used to preserve demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and/or uplink control information (UCI) symbols which may be found at the beginning of a UL transmission in the slot (such as may be found at the beginning of the second UL transmissionin the second slot).

1408 1414 In some cases, if the UE supports simultaneous transmissions over multiple panels (STxMP) (and, e.g., indicates the same through a UE capability report), it may be that both slots (e.g., the first slotand the second slot) are used without a corresponding data reduction (even in the case where there is an overlap).

14 FIG.A 14 FIG.B 1406 1412 1418 1422 In some cases, a UL transmission associated with a serving cell maybe prioritized over the overlapped UL transmission of a non-serving cell. In such cases, corresponding toand, this may mean, for example, that the one of the first UL transmissionand the second UL transmissionthat has its data dropped/depends on which of these is for a serving cell of the UE (not dropped) and which of these is for a non-serving cell (dropped). This may promote a reliability of the UE to network connection.

1410 Under another alternative, signaling between the UE and the network may determine how to handle first and second UL transmissions in cases where the ending portion of a first slot for the first UL transmission on a first second UL paneloverlaps a beginning portion of a second slot for the second transmission on a second UL panel, as has been described. This value may correspond to the difference between an end of the first slot and the beginning of the second slot. The UE measures the UL timing difference between the two applicable intra-frequency TAGs for the two TRPs, and then reports this value to the network. This value may be measured/reported in units of OFDM symbols (e.g., the UE may report a number of symbols N to the network, where N≥1).

In some such cases, based on the reported UL timing difference N, the network (e.g., a base station of the network) may provide the UE with a collision handling indication that indicates the manner of handling the overlapped UL transmissions.

In a first example, the collision handling indication sent by the network to the UE indicates that N beginning symbols of the second slot should not be used on the second UL panel. Accordingly, the UE drops data of the second UL transmission that is for the N beginning symbols of the second slot.

In a second example, the collision handling indication sent by the network to the UE indicates that N ending symbols of the first slot should not be used on the first UL panel. Accordingly, the UE drops data of the first UL transmission that is for the N ending symbols of the first slot.

1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 In a third example, the collision handling indication sent by the network to the UE indicates that a first number Kof ending symbols of the first slot should not be used on the first UL panel and that a second number Kof beginning symbols of the second slot should not be used on the second UL panel. In such cases, it may be that K+K=N, with K≥0 and K≥0. Accordingly, the UE drops data of the first UL transmission that is for the Kending symbols of the first slot and also drops data of the second UL transmission that is for the Kbeginning symbols of the second slot.

In some cases, it may be that once the UE provides the network with the reported UL timing difference N, the UE is not expected by the network to transmit the UL symbols within the overlapped N symbols on either of the first slot for the first UL panel or the second slot for the second UL panel. In these cases, the transmission of the reported UL timing difference N accordingly put an effective restriction on the network/base station scheduler to avoid scheduling and/or not to otherwise expect UL communications from the UE during such symbols.

15 FIG. 1500 1500 1502 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes determiningthat an ending portion of a first slot that is used for a first UL transmission on a first UL panel to a first TRP using a frequency as adjusted by a first TA for the first TRP overlaps a beginning portion of a second slot that is used for a second UL transmission on a second UL panel to a second TRP using the frequency as adjusted by a second TA for the second TRP.

1500 1504 The methodfurther includes droppingone of: for the first UL transmission, first data that is for the ending portion of the first slot and that is overlapped with the second UL transmission; and, for the second UL transmission, second data that is for the beginning portion of the second slot and that is overlapped with the first UL transmission.

1500 In some embodiments of the method, the UE is not capable of STxMP function.

1500 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes determining that the first UL transmission is for a serving cell and that the second UL transmission is for a non-serving cell, wherein the second data of the second UL transmission is dropped in response to the determination that the first UL transmission is for the serving cell and that the second UL transmission is for the non-serving cell.

16 FIG. 1600 1600 1602 illustrates a methodof a UE, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes determiningthat an ending portion of a first slot that is used for a first UL transmission on a first UL panel to a first TRP using a frequency as adjusted by a first TA for the first TRP overlaps a beginning portion of a second slot that is used for a second UL transmission on a second UL panel for a second TRP using the frequency as adjusted by a second TA for the second TRP.

1600 1604 The methodfurther includes measuringan UL timing difference between a beginning of the first slot and an end of the second slot, wherein the UL timing difference is measured in terms of a number of symbols N.

1600 1606 The methodfurther includes sending, to a network, the UL timing difference.

1600 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the network, a collision handling indication indicating that N beginning symbols of the second slot should not be used on the second UL panel and dropping data of the second UL transmission that is for the N beginning symbols of the second slot.

1600 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the network, a collision handling indication indicating that N ending symbols of the first slot should not be used on the first UL panel and dropping data of the first UL transmission that is for the N ending symbols of the first slot.

1600 1 2 1 2 1 2 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes receiving, from the network, a collision handling indication indicating that a first number Kof ending symbols of the first slot should not be used on the first UL panel and a second number Kof beginning symbols of the second slot should not be used on the second UL panel, wherein Kplus Kis equal to N, dropping first data of the first UL transmission that is for the Kending symbols of the first slot, and dropping second data of the second UL transmission that is for the Kbeginning symbols of the second slot.

1600 In some embodiments, the methodfurther includes dropping first data of the first UL transmission that is for N ending symbols of the first slot, and dropping second data of the second UL transmission that is for N beginning symbols of the second slot.

17 FIG. 1700 1700 1702 illustrates a methodof a RAN, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes receiving, from a UE, an UL timing difference between an end of a first slot that is used for a first UL transmission on a first UL panel of the UE to a first TRP of the RAN using a frequency as adjusted by a first TA for the first TRP and a beginning of a second slot that is used for a second UL transmission on a second UL panel of the UE for a second TRP of the RAN using the frequency as adjusted by a second TA for the second TRP, wherein the UL timing difference is indicated in terms of a number of symbols N.

1700 1704 The methodfurther includes sending, to the UE, a collision handling indication for a use of one or more of: one or more of N ending symbols of the first slot on the first UL panel; and one or more of N beginning symbols of the second slot on the second UL panel.

1700 In some embodiments of the method, the collision handling indication indicates to the UE not to use the N ending symbols of the first slot on the first UL panel.

1700 In some embodiments of the method, the collision handling indication indicates to the UE not to use the W beginning symbols of the second slot on the second UL panel.

1700 1 2 1 2 In some embodiments of the method, the collision handling indication indicates to the UE not to use a first number Kof ending symbols of the first slot on the first UL panel and not to use a second number Kof beginning symbols of the second slot on the second UL panel, wherein Kplus Kis equal to N.

18 FIG. 1800 1800 1802 illustrates a methodof a RAN, according to embodiments herein. The methodincludes receiving, from a UE, an UL timing difference between an end of a first slot that is used for a first UL transmission on a first UL panel of the UE to a first TRP of the RAN using a frequency as adjusted by a first TA for the first TRP and a beginning of a second slot that is used for a second UL transmission on a second UL panel of the UE for a second TRP of the RAN using the frequency as adjusted by a second TA for the second TRP, wherein the UL timing difference is indicated in terms of a number of symbols N.

1800 1804 The methodfurther includes avoidingscheduling UL communications on each of N ending symbols of the first slot on the first UL panel and N beginning symbols of the second slot on the second UL panel.

19 FIG. 1900 1900 illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication systemthat operates in conjunction with the LTE system standards and/or 5G or NR system standards as provided by 3GPP technical specifications.

19 FIG. 1900 1902 1904 1902 1904 As shown by, the wireless communication systemincludes UEand UE(although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, the UEand the UEare illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), but may also comprise any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

1902 1904 1906 1906 1902 1904 1908 1910 1906 1906 1912 1914 1908 1910 The UEand UEmay be configured to communicatively couple with a RAN. In embodiments, the RANmay be NG-RAN, E-UTRAN, etc. The UEand UEutilize connections (or channels) (shown as connectionand connection, respectively) with the RAN, each of which comprises a physical communications interface. The RANcan include one or more base stations (such as base stationand base station) that enable the connectionand connection.

1908 1910 1906 In this example, the connectionand connectionare air interfaces to enable such communicative coupling, and may be consistent with RAT(s) used by the RAN, such as, for example, an LTE and/or NR.

1902 1904 1916 1904 1918 1920 1920 1918 1918 1924 In some embodiments, the UEand UEmay also directly exchange communication data via a sidelink interface. The UEis shown to be configured to access an access point (shown as AP) via connection. By way of example, the connectioncan comprise a local wireless connection, such as a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, wherein the APmay comprise a Wi-Fi® router. In this example, the APmay be connected to another network (for example, the Internet) without going through a CN.

1902 1904 1912 1914 In embodiments, the UEand UEcan be configured to communicate using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals with each other or with the base stationand/or the base stationover a multicarrier communication channel in accordance with various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technique (e.g., for downlink communications) or a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technique (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communications), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. The OFDM signals can comprise a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

1912 1914 1912 1914 1922 1900 1924 1922 1900 1924 1922 1912 1924 In some embodiments, all or parts of the base stationor base stationmay be implemented as one or more software entities running on server computers as part of a virtual network. In addition, or in other embodiments, the base stationor base stationmay be configured to communicate with one another via interface. In embodiments where the wireless communication systemis an LTE system (e.g., when the CNis an EPC), the interfacemay be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs and the like) that connect to an EPC, and/or between two eNBs connecting to the EPC. In embodiments where the wireless communication systemis an NR system (e.g., when CNis a 5GC), the interfacemay be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs and the like) that connect to 5GC, between a base station(e.g., a gNB) connecting to 5GC and an eNB, and/or between two eNBs connecting to 5GC (e.g., CN).

1906 1924 1924 1926 1902 1904 1924 1906 1924 The RANis shown to be communicatively coupled to the CN. The CNmay comprise one or more network elements, which are configured to offer various data and telecommunications services to customers/subscribers (e.g., users of UEand UE) who are connected to the CNvia the RAN. The components of the CNmay be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components to read and execute instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

1924 1906 1924 1928 1928 1912 1914 1912 1914 In embodiments, the CNmay be an EPC, and the RANmay be connected with the CNvia an S1 interface. In embodiments, the S1 interfacemay be split into two parts, an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base stationor base stationand a serving gateway (S-GW), and the S1-MME interface, which is a signaling interface between the base stationor base stationand mobility management entities (MMEs).

1924 1906 1924 1928 1928 1912 1914 1912 1914 In embodiments, the CNmay be a 5GC, and the RANmay be connected with the CNvia an NG interface. In embodiments, the NG interfacemay be split into two parts, an NG user plane (NG-U) interface, which carries traffic data between the base stationor base stationand a user plane function (UPF), and the S1 control plane (NG-C) interface, which is a signaling interface between the base stationor base stationand access and mobility management functions (AMFs).

1930 1924 1930 1902 1904 1924 1930 1924 1932 Generally, an application servermay be an element offering applications that use internet protocol (IP) bearer resources with the CN(e.g., packet switched data services). The application servercan also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UEand UEvia the CN. The application servermay communicate with the CNthrough an IP communications interface.

20 FIG. 2000 2034 2002 2018 2000 2002 2018 illustrates a systemfor performing signalingbetween a wireless deviceand a network device, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The systemmay be a portion of a wireless communications system as herein described. The wireless devicemay be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The network devicemay be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

2002 2004 2004 2002 2004 The wireless devicemay include one or more processor(s). The processor(s)may execute instructions such that various operations of the wireless deviceare performed, as described herein. The processor(s)may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

2002 2006 2006 2008 2004 2008 2006 2004 The wireless devicemay include a memory. The memorymay be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions(which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s)). The instructionsmay also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memorymay also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s).

2002 2010 2012 2002 2034 2002 2018 The wireless devicemay include one or more transceiver(s)that may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter and/or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s)of the wireless deviceto facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling) to and/or from the wireless devicewith other devices (e.g., the network device) according to corresponding RATs.

2002 2012 2012 2002 2012 2002 2002 2012 The wireless devicemay include one or more antenna(s)(e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments with multiple antenna(s), the wireless devicemay leverage the spatial diversity of such multiple antenna(s)to send and/or receive multiple different data streams on the same time and frequency resources. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, MIMO behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of a transmitting device and a receiving device that enable this aspect). MIMO transmissions by the wireless devicemay be accomplished according to precoding (or digital beamforming) that is applied at the wireless devicethat multiplexes the data streams across the antenna(s)according to known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of a receiver associated with that data stream). Certain embodiments may use single user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and/or multi user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to individual (different) receivers in different locations in the spatial domain).

2002 2012 2012 In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless devicemay implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby phases of the signals sent by the antenna(s)are relatively adjusted such that the (joint) transmission of the antenna(s)can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

2002 2014 2014 2002 2002 2014 2010 2012 The wireless devicemay include one or more interface(s). The interface(s)may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device. For example, a wireless devicethat is a UE may include interface(s)such as microphones, speakers, a touchscreen, buttons, and the like in order to allow for input and/or output to the UE by a user of the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be made up of made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s)/antenna(s)already described) that allow for communication between the UE and other devices and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and the like).

2002 2016 2016 2016 2008 2006 2004 2016 2004 2010 2016 2004 2010 The wireless devicemay include a mTRP module. The mTRP modulemay be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the mTRP modulemay be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructionsstored in the memoryand executed by the processor(s). In some examples, the mTRP modulemay be integrated within the processor(s)and/or the transceiver(s). For example, the mTRP modulemay be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s)or the transceiver(s).

2016 2016 1 FIG. 18 FIG. The mTRP modulemay be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects corresponding tothrough. The mTRP modulemay be configured to, for example, perform TAG association for different UL transmissions for mDCI mTRP, perform DL reference timing determinations for two TAs for mTRP, and/or handle overlapped UL transmissions with two TAs, as is described herein.

2018 2020 2020 2018 2020 The network devicemay include one or more processor(s). The processor(s)may execute instructions such that various operations of the network deviceare performed, as described herein. The processor(s)may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

2018 2022 2022 2024 2020 2024 2022 2020 The network devicemay include a memory. The memorymay be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions(which may include, for example, the instructions being executed by the processor(s)). The instructionsmay also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memorymay also store data used by, and results computed by, the processor(s).

2018 2026 2028 2018 2034 2018 2002 The network devicemay include one or more transceiver(s)that may include RF transmitter and/or receiver circuitry that use the antenna(s)of the network deviceto facilitate signaling (e.g., the signaling) to and/or from the network devicewith other devices (e.g., the wireless device) according to corresponding RATs.

2018 2028 2028 2018 The network devicemay include one or more antenna(s)(e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antenna(s), the network devicemay perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc., as has been described.

2018 2030 2030 2018 2018 2030 2026 2028 The network devicemay include one or more interface(s). The interface(s)may be used to provide input to or output from the network device. For example, a network devicethat is a base station may include interface(s)made up of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., other than the transceiver(s)/antenna(s)already described) that enables the base station to communicate with other equipment in a core network, and/or that enables the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for purposes of operations, administration, and maintenance of the base station or other equipment operably connected thereto.

2018 2032 2032 2032 2024 2022 2020 2032 2020 2026 2032 2020 2026 The network devicemay include a mTRP module. The mTRP modulemay be implemented via hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the mTRP modulemay be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructionsstored in the memoryand executed by the processor(s). In some examples, the mTRP modulemay be integrated within the processor(s)and/or the transceiver(s). For example, the mTRP modulemay be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor(s)or the transceiver(s).

2032 2032 1 FIG. 18 FIG. The mTRP modulemay be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, aspects corresponding tothrough. The mTRP modulemay be configured to, for example, perform network aspects for TAG association for different UL transmissions for mDCI mTRP and/or perform network aspects related to handling overlapped UL transmissions with two TAs, as is described herein.

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 2002 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 2006 2002 Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as a memoryof a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 2002 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 2002 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method.

800 1100 1200 1300 1500 1600 2004 2002 2006 2002 Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processor is to cause the processor to carry out one or more elements of any of the method, the method, the method, the method, the method, and/or the method. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as a processor(s)of a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and/or on a memory of the UE (such as a memoryof a wireless devicethat is a UE, as described herein).

900 1700 1800 2018 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising means to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station of a RAN (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

900 1700 1800 2022 2018 Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions to cause an electronic device, upon execution of the instructions by one or more processors of the electronic device, to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method. This non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a base station of a RAN (such as a memoryof a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

900 1700 1800 2018 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising logic, modules, or circuitry to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station of a RAN (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

900 1700 1800 2018 Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method. This apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station of a RAN (such as a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

900 1700 1800 Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method.

900 1700 1800 2020 2018 2022 2018 Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product comprising instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element is to cause the processing element to carry out one or more elements of any of the method, the method, and/or the method. The processor may be a processor of a base station of a RAN (such as a processor(s)of a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein). These instructions may be, for example, located in the processor and/or on a memory of the base station of a RAN (such as a memoryof a network devicethat is a base station, as described herein).

For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and/or methods as set forth herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth herein.

Any of the above described embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments), unless explicitly stated otherwise. The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various embodiments.

Embodiments and implementations of the systems and methods described herein may include various operations, which may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. A computer system may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system may include hardware components that include specific logic for performing the operations or may include a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.

It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into single systems, partially combined into other systems, split into multiple systems or divided or combined in other ways. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. The parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are merely described in one or more embodiments for clarity, and it is recognized that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment unless specifically disclaimed herein.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles thereof. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the description is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.